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Motac continues awareness campaigns to curb haj, umrah scams

Motac continues awareness campaigns to curb haj, umrah scams

TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) will continue to carry out awareness campaigns to prevent the public from falling victim to haj and umrah-related scams.
Motac secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said that although haj affairs fall under the jurisdiction of Lembaga Tabung Haji, the ministry works closely with the board to tackle the growing number of fraud cases.
"For Motac, our focus is on educating the public so they do not fall for these scams, including those related to umrah.
"This issue occurs every year, and public awareness is crucial in helping people distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent operators," he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram here last night.
Shaharuddin said Motac has taken stern action against companies found to be involved in such fraudulent activities.
"We have revoked the licences of several companies, while some have been suspended. Motac remains committed to strict enforcement to prevent a recurrence of such cases," he said. – BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'

Malaysia urges tougher action on fake haj, umrah packages
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KUALA LUMPUR: Stricter and more severe punishments must be imposed on unscrupulous operators who deceive the public by offering bogus haj and umrah packages, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar. He said a special task force was formed last month to address the issue, Bernama reported. 'I think right now the most important issue is enforcement. Advice and guidelines have already been provided many times, including during Friday sermons,' he said at the 2025 Ma'al Hijrah celebration yesterday. 'The real issue now is how we can enforce the law and prosecute those who deceive pilgrims. I believe once there are prosecutions and heavy penalties, it would serve as the best deterrent.' He said Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), the statutory body mandated to manage the haj pilgrimage, does not have the authority to charge or dish out punishment to offenders. 'TH can only lodge a report with the police who then refer the case to the prosecution department. TH can revoke their licences. That part is easy. For umrah, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry can revoke the licences (of the operators) too, so that's not a problem.' He added that Saudi Arabia has also intensified its enforcement efforts to prevent illegal pilgrims from performing the haj. 'I think the key now is enforcement. I spoke with Saudi Arabia Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Tawfig Fawzan Muhammed Al-Rabiah yesterday morning. He said this year many were successfully prevented from entering the holy land to perform the haj without a valid visa.'

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TUMPAT: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is ramping up public awareness initiatives to combat haj and umrah scams, ensuring Malaysians are better informed against fraudulent operators. MOTAC secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot emphasised the ministry's role in educating the public, despite haj administration being under Lembaga Tabung Haji's purview. 'Our priority is to prevent scams, especially during peak travel seasons,' he said. Speaking at the Kelantan-level Citrawarna Siam Malaysia Festival 2025 at Wat Machimmaram, Shaharuddin noted recurring fraud cases and stressed the importance of public vigilance. 'Awareness helps people identify legitimate services,' he added. MOTAC has revoked licences of fraudulent companies and suspended others as part of strict enforcement measures. 'We will not tolerate such misconduct,' Shaharuddin affirmed.

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